Associate Director - Service Line Sales Executive - Software Engineering GroupLocation: Bay Area / West CoastOverviewIn this role, the SLS (Service Line Specialist) will focus on Software Engineering Group (SEG) which covers key offerings such as AI led Software Product Engineering and Development, AI led Application Modernization, AI led IT Operations (Zero Ops) and AI led Quality Assurance Services. He or she will focus on growing revenue, bookings and operating margin in assigned portfolio of accounts with business development and sales responsibilities including identifying, qualifying and closing new business opportunities within SEG. The position also requires working with and leveraging a top-notch client leadership team. The individual will also be developing strategies and tactics for further penetrating the account in addition to cross selling Cognizant's emerging services. The SLS will collaborate with the Client Partners in achieving "trusted advisor" status and have a mix of strategic and tactical management experience.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and champion Cognizant's Life sciences Quality Engineering (LS QEA) offerings in market
- Set the go to market and growth strategy for LS QEA in assigned portfolio
- Collaborate across multiple practices and offerings
- Work closely with Client Partners, solutioning and delivery and overall team to develop client strategy and transformation roadmap
- Provide subject matter expertise and own lead generation, pipeline management, proposal development and overall solution
- Execute and manage the account plan within function/specialism in collaboration with the Markets team
- Client Relationship Management; engage with CXO, VP and Director level clients
- Lead pursuits as a pursuit owner to close new and expansion opportunities related to their sales specialisms, working closely with Client Leadership Team
- Respond to and deliver on client requests; responds to RFP's
- Engage the relevant internal Cognizant practices teams and service lines team for developing solutions.
- Create and present account Pipeline ; QBR presentations and executive status reports
- Experience developing opportunity pipelines, qualifying high priority deals, and winning new business in line with agreed targets (revenue as well as total contract value)
- Experience closing sales with a specific emphasis on growing sales. Specifically, win new deals in customer account per pre-agreed targets.
- Proven leadership qualities such as conflict/issue resolution, strategic and critical thinking and ownership, particularly with highly diverse teams.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a highly matrixed environment.
Required Experience- Consistent record of growing a business successfully over the years through strong client relationships and a strategy tailored to client context and business goals
- Strong Life science pharma domain sales background including AI for Quality Engineering , AI Assurance and Validation for GxP system , FDA's new guideline on CSA
- Candidate should have a strong domain experience in Pharma Validation and Quality Engineering with good understanding of Software Product Engineering or Enterprise application modernization, Application Maintenance / Support.
- Expert in 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, GAMP 5 following functional risk-based approach and data Integrity.
- Expert in QMS for Change Controls, Deviations, CAPA, and QDMS for all kinds of validation for Pharma GxP system.
- Able to engage COO-level and COO-1 level executives in large deal, solution, transition, and transformation shaping discussions
- Effectively communicates with stakeholders at all levels including COO, LoB Owners, and his/her direct reports
- Technology domain - Solid understanding of technology industry domain and trends.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills, particularly with highly diverse teams
- 5+ years of experience in a senior-level application services seller with good knowledge and prior experience and a strong track record in selling digital / cloud / AI solutions
- Software Product Engineering approaches, agile methodology and building green fields application using cloud and AI native solutions
- Familiarity with large-scale Quality Engineering Transformation for Pharma clients
- Understanding drivers and enablers of digital transformation within companies
- Ability to work with global teams
- Excellent problem solving, business communication (written & oral), and client management skills are essential
- Ability to build client relationships; strengthening partnerships by focusing on exceptional client experience, risk management and value realization built on the foundation of Cognizant leadership capabilities
Preferred Experience- MS or MBA degree preferred
- Strong background in a project environment and application development
- Certifications in Devops , AI preferred
- Proven ability to contribute to new business development efforts and to lead and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment
- Must be detail oriented and able to manage and maintain all facets of complex assignments
- Demonstrable problem-solving abilities with the aptitude to identify strategic solutions to business problems with enterprise-wide implications
- Demonstrate the flexibility to work among diverse corporate environments, industries, and technical and non-technical audiences
Top Reasons to Join Our TeamExcellent compensation/benefits. A strong financial incentive package that includes a solid base salary with a highly attractive commission's plan. Further incentives include award programs, club trips, and excellent benefits package. Wide exposure to industry, product, and functional standard methodologies; as well as outstanding teams supporting your sales pursuits. Encouraging management team that rewards initiative & success. Exciting, industry leading practice where you can truly build a long-term career. Congenial, collaborative, and goal-oriented environment; the opportunity to work with and learn from a diverse, highly experienced team of business professionals. Tremendous opportunities for growth with a real career path promoting career advancement.
Salary and Other Compensation:Applications will be accepted until 8/23/2026
The annual salary for this position is between $98,000 - $154,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
